Thursday, April 29, 2010

Concerts by the River series kicks off Monday

Start your summer on a high note as the Paul Stroud Concerts by the River kicks off Monday.

Rhodes Ferry Park will be the site of the Monday concerts through Sept. 6. The free concerts begin at 6 p.m. and usually conclude by 8 p.m.

Expand your musical horizons and enjoy some of the Valley’s most talented performers throughout the summer. The series will showcase a range of musical genres including country, contemporary Christian and Celtic; jazz, blues and gospel; and classic rock, bluegrass and big band.

New this year is a portable stage for the performers which was secured through support from state Sen. Arthur Orr for the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Monday night will feature the Bluegrass Soul Pickers, a five-piece band from Hazel Green. Their versatile sound ranges from hard-driving instrumentation and vocal harmonies to a smooth, soulful finesse.

The group formed in 2003 when three friends followed their dreams to sing, write and record the bluegrass style of music they listened to growing up. Members of the band include Shane Norman on mandolin, Lorne Wilde on upright bass, Buddy Mason on guitar, Brett Anderton on dobro and Weston Stewart on banjo. Visit www.soulpickers.com.

The concert series, which began in 1991, now bears the name of the late Paul Stroud, a founding member of the Sophisticated Swingers who encouraged local musical talent and served as the series coordinator for many years.

Call 341-4818, e-mail meldunn@decatur-al.gov or visit decaturparks.com/eventsConcertsByTheRiver.asp for updates to the following schedule.

In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be made after 4 p.m.